What If?

When you consider all the bad things that could happen to you in a day, it's enough to paralyze you from writing. However, just as you could experience bad things, you could also think about the good things that may occur.

For example, you may:

• Win a prize
• Get a new job
• Find Mr. or Ms. Right
• Receive a gift card for your favorite restaurant
• Get published!

Ahh! Get published. Doesn't that sound like a neat idea? However, you won't get published unless you write. I encourage you to write today. It will give you a sense of accomplishment today and it may be that manuscript you need to see your name in lights.

School's In Session!

Today is the first day of school for many US school children. Mixed emotions loom over both parents and students as they prepare to transition from the lazy days of summer into the go, go, rush, rush mode of higher learning.

It's a time to get serious again: To focus, to reevlaulate, to test, and grow.

What transitions have you made with your writing lately in order to improve your writing?

What can you do right now in order to grow?

Below you'll find 3 ways to transition from becoming an occasional to a consistent writer:

• Write at least 4 sentences everyday.
• Refuse to listen to your haters.
• Take a writing class or go to a writer's conference

You need to look at learning as a way of getting closer to getting published. The more you know, the better you will write, and the more likely you are to get noticed by editors, publishers, and other people of influence.

The Writer's Cake

Growing up, I always remember adults making the statement, "You can't have your cake and eat it too." Who did this statement apply to?

I believe it referred to anyone who thought they could experience the good life without working hard for it. "The Good Life" -- fame, fortune, money, and yes, even a published book or article.

Writer, what are you waiting for? A sign? If so, here's the sign: JUST WRITE. If you were to talk to some of the best authors, at least most of them would tell you that they've had to make sacrifices.

Did they have their cake and eat it too? Is it even possible to do so?

I would say yes, if you're willing to put in the hard work and enjoy the benefits later.

Having your cake requires you do your part first by taking time to decide:

• what you want to write (subject)
• who you're writing to (target group)
• why you want to write (purpose)
• when you want to get published (goal), which may be subject to change
• where you want your writing to go
• sitting down to start writing

Eating your cake means:

• reading the great reviews about your published work and hearing others talk positively about your published work
• making money from your published work
• gaining a sense of satisfaction from getting published

You are in charge of your writing destiny. You have the necessary ingredients it takes to make your cake through your talents, experience, and the resources around you. So to answer the age old question, yes, you can have your cake and eat it to!

It's Over -- Lebron Lost!

Disappointment to say the least. Of course I was doubtful that Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers would win both games during the Eastern Conference championship, but when they lost on Saturday night, it really hit me. Their chances of winning the 2009 NBA championship were over. Just think. All that hard work during these last 8-9 months: down the drain. Now the Lebron and Cleveland Cavaliers have to step into the unknown of the next NBA season and start all over again.

Starting all over again. Writer, you may be in a devastating situation. Your dreams and hopes of being published may have been crushed for whatever reason, but you can start over again. How?

Believe in yourself and your ability.
Write what you know.
Be consistent.
Refuse to allow your situation to stop you from pursuing your dreams.

Just because it feels like you're losing now doesn't mean you can't start again! Just take the first step.

Cramped Up! -- Lebron James Lost

107 to 106, Magic. I can't believe it! For those of you who know about NBA basketball, this one's for you. If you're a writer, but don't know, hold tight. This message will still help you.

While I'm a Spurs fan, I really want to see Lebron James and his team, the Cleveland Cavaliers win the NBA championship this year. He's seems to be a good guy and he's an awesome player. Unfortunately Lebron got cramped up, although he still had a stellar performance. Nevertheless, his performance wasn't good enough to beat the opposing team, the Orlando Magic.

Despite his team's win, the Orlando Magic coach, Stan Van Gundy said of Lebron, "We don't know what to do with him." In other words, although Van Grundy's team won the first game, Lebron is still a force to be reckoned with. But if Lebron is such a good player, then why did his team lose the first game? When asked how his Orlando Magic team won the game, Van Grundy answered this question in one word, "Resilience."

Resilience is the ability to keep fighting regardless of the situation.

As a writer, this is what you need to see your work become published. You can't get cramped up and stop writing. You've got to keep fighting despite writer's block, despite rejection, and despite the changes that life brings. Your fight will eventually defeat your obstacles and you will come out victorious.

My hope for Lebron James is that he will take care of his cramps and win the game tonight!

Go Cavs!